Press Releases

» Japan Provides Grants to Pacific Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (PacELF)

The Government of Japan has provided spray machines, mosquito nets and promotional materials, worth US$309,280.00 (approximately F$530,000.00), for prevention of lymphatic filariasis to the Pacific Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (PacELF) under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Kenro Iino will officially hand over the equipments and materials to the representatives of the PacELF at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 23rd May 2005 at Mataika House, Tamavua Hospital Complex, Suva.

It is anticipated that through provision of spray machines and mosquito nets, PacELF will be able to control mosquito breeding to further reduce the transmission of lymphatic filariasis. In addition, the provision of promotional materials would assist PacELF in conducting awareness campaigns on prevention and protection from the spread of lymphatic filariasis. The estimated population to benefit from this project is expected to be approximately 570,000.

The funding towards this project is in addition to the previous funding that was provided to PacELF by the Government of Japan in 2003, worth $US43,006.00 (approximately F$85,738.00).

Japan’s continued assistance to PacELF indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Fiji Islands and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development through good health at the grassroots level. The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, health, basic education, vocational training, sanitary environment and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the governments and the people of Fiji Islands and Japan.